Repair & Leak Diagnosis
Signs Your Slate Roof Needs Repair
Updated September 25, 2026
Short answer: The clearest signs are slate pieces on the ground, visible gaps or slipped slates, water stains inside, and rusty or tar-covered metal. You can check all of these safely from the ground or inside—never from the roof.
From the ground
- Slate pieces in the yard or gutters
- Gaps, lighter patches or slates hanging low
- Rusted, bent or tar-smeared metal at chimneys and valleys
- Gutters overflowing in rain
From inside
- Ceiling or wall stains after rain or snowmelt
- Daylight or damp boards in the attic
- Musty smell in the attic
What to do next
Take photos from the ground or inside. Note when leaks happen. Then have a slate professional look at the roof.
Common questions
- Can I use binoculars to check my roof?
- Yes. Binoculars from the ground are a great, safe way to spot slipped slates and damaged metal.